Tearful service honors fallen West Chester firefighter

Staff photos by Tom Kelly IV
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 27, 2012 for Good Will Fire Company of West Chester Fire Captain Christopher "Goody" Good age 36 who died Wednesday November 21, 2012 the day after fighting a house fire in West Goshen Township. Hundreds of family, friends, and fellow firefighters came to show their final respects.
Ethan Good, age 3 the son of Captain Chris Good is carried out of the DellaVecchia funeral home in West Chester by Good Will firefighter Jonathan "Bird" Eadie who uses his hat to cover the young boy from the falling rain, sleet, and snow. The fire companies then processed to the fire house where a funeral service was held.

WEST CHESTER — Hundreds of firefighters from Chester County and beyond gathered Tuesday for funeral services honoring the fallen captain of Good Will Fire Company.

Christopher “Goody” Good, 36, died Nov. 21 from an apparent cardiac arrest less than 24 hours after battling a house fire in West Goshen. His death was ruled a line-of-duty death due to its proximity to the fire.

Good’s family, friends and fellow firefighters packed Good Will’s fire house Tuesday morning as the season’s first snow fell outside. Jerry Schwartz, the fire company’s chaplain, opened the service by encouraging mourners to focus on their fondest memories of Good.

“We are gathered here not only to mourn in sorrow, as we should, but also to celebrate the wonderful life of Chris Good, a man well known and beloved in this room,” Schwartz said.

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John Stafford, who serves as the assistant chief of the West Chester Fire Department, recalled Good’s dedication to the constant improvement of his fire company.

“Chris had two focuses in his life, his family and the fire service,” Stafford said. “As Captain Chris led by example, his strong work ethic showed in everything he did.”

Good joined the Good Will Fire Company in 2002 and previously served in the Lionville Fire Company. He was also a career firefighter at the Arcelor Mittal Steel Fire Company in Coatesville.

Stafford recalled Good’s final day and the fire that officials say contributed to his death. He told mourners that he took solace in knowing Good lived his life doing what he loved.

“I take comfort in the fact that I’m sure if Chris could have planned his final day, fighting a working house fire, working a shift at the mill, and some quality family time would all have been included,” Stafford said.

Michael Chapman, chief of the Lionville Fire Company, fondly remembered Good’s early days in the fire service and the effect he had on others who joined after him.

“There are too many stories and too little time to say everything there is to say about Chris,” Chapman said as he recalled first meeting Good as a 16-year-old volunteer. “It was obvious he really liked working hard and was a quick learner; he was a great asset.”

Chapman also spoke about Good’s devotion to others and his willingness to teach young firefighters who were still learning about life in the fire service.

“One of Goody’s best traits was his overwhelming and infectious sense of pride in the fire service,” Chapman said.

Everett Carpenter, chief of the Arcelor Mittal Steel Fire Company, addressed Good’s wife Jessica and their three children directly to show support in their time of need.

Chaplain Schwartz concluded Tuesday’s service by echoing the praise of Good’s service and by offering comforting words to his family.

“Chris lived his life fighting to destroy the things that attempt to destroy others,” he said. “Words cannot express our grief, our sorrow. But we stand with you in this time. It is said that all men die, but not all men truly live. Well, Chris lived.”

Good was honored by a traditional 5-5-5 transmission over county emergency radio to officially inform other stations of his passing. Mourners listened through silent tears as the fire house’s address system broadcast the final call, which was followed by the ringing of a bell and the playing of Taps.

“Chester County to all stations, it is with deep regret that the West Chester Fire Department announces the death of Captain Chris Good,” the broadcast said. “Captain Good’s final assignment is complete, and he has been returned to quarters.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chester County Hero Fund, in memory of Chris Good, 820 Heatherstone Drive, Berwyn PA 19312.